DISABLED people were today staging a protest in Birmingham because they claim the city council does not offer them enough support.

Around 30 campaigners were expected to wave banners and used megaphones in Victoria Square to “shame the authority” into taking their needs seriously.

Protest organiser Paul Bowley from the Disabled People’s Direct Action Network claimed some disabled people were contemplating suicide because of their housing conditions.

“How would you feel if you were living in your own filth and unable to leave your house for weeks on end because the council refused to give you any support?” he added.

The demonstration will end at Louisa Ryland House in Newhall Street, home to the city’s social and housing departments.

Protesters will demand to speak to department heads about a catalogue of complaints including waiting lists for home adaptations and a shortage of accessible homes. Mr Bowley claimed: “The council seems to think it’s acceptable to treat disabled people like second class citizens. Disabled people are waiting years for essential housing adaptations – if they are lucky enough to even have a roof over their heads. Homeless, disabled people can be seen throughout the city, a disgraceful situation made worse by the council’s reluctance to make sure housing associations build sufficient numbers of fully accessible houses.”